Rusty Wilkins brings his “Rusty Rolls 5K Run/Walk back to Topsham this year this upcoming Sunday in Topsham. (Bill Fitzsimmons photo)
TOPSHAM — The third Annual Rusty Rolls 5K Race/Walk is scheduled for Sunday at 9 a.m.
The start and finish is at Crosby Field at the Foreside Recreational Facility. This race has become a must-do community event. It has become more popular each year, with more than 160 runners participating last year.
The race will benefit the American Cancer Society in memory of the longtime proprietor of the iconic Rusty’s Market and famed raconteur Rusty Rancourt, who succumbed to cancer 18 months ago.
The race is the brain child of Rusty Wilkins and his cousin James Anderson. Rusty is a 2017 graduate of Mt Ararat High School. He has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. He communicates through his laptop.
His cousin James was a standout cross country and distance runner at the University of New Hampshire. After he graduated, he suggested to Rusty that they form a running team in the mode of Team Hoyt (http://www.teamhoyt.com/).
Rusty was all in immediately. In the last three years, Rusty and James have competed in countless 5K and 10K races as well as five marathons, including the Marine Marathon in Arlington, Virginia, twice.
Fans attending Mt. Ararat basketball, baseball and field games will likely see Rusty cheering on his Eagles from the sideline.
This year, Emma Skelton, a senior at Mt Ararat, has undertaken the role of race director as part of her senior Capstone project. She received special permission to change the date to May 5, which makes the race a little more friendly weather-wise.
She also has engaged a list of entertainers to perform before, during, and after the race. Mike Crawford will be playing the bagpipes. Local band Astral Pines featuring MTA grads Kellen Radulski and Sam Stride performing along with a trio of MTA freshman. Rusty’s Market will be providing free pizza and drinks.
Hunter Lohr, a member of Mt Ararat’s baseball team said, “this will be our third year participating in the Rusty Rolls 5K Race. It’s been a great experience for our team. In the past, we’ve run as a team. The race has helped to build team camaraderie, but this year will be special for us. We will take turns pushing Rusty toward the finish line. We will not be as fast as his cousin James is, but it will give us a chance to say thank you to Rusty for his undying support for all MTA sports, and especially for the baseball team.”
Teammate Austin Damon says, “I’ve never been known for my speed and this is the only race I have ever run. But Rusty has supported us for all my four years. He has given us much more than we have given. This is a great way to to pay him back.”
You can register online at https://www.raceentry.com/races/rusty-rolls-5k/2019/register or download a paper form at www.mtasports.com. Participants can also register the day of the race.
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